Porto Spilia, Meganisi Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small harbour with quay berths stern-to. 3–5m mud/sand. Good shelter from NW. The local car ferry from Nydri calls here (several times daily) — time berth arrival around ferry schedule. Cave (Spilia) with blue water at the N end of the bay — navigable by dinghy.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Porto Spilia, Meganisi is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Delta, Rocna, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Porto Spilia, Meganisi are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m radius for quay berth with lines. Keep clear of the ferry berth. Anchor off in 3–5m if quay is full. Exposed to S and SE — check forecast.

May–October. The ferry runs year-round but anchorage activity drops significantly outside summer.

Navigation Hazards

• Car ferry berth — keep it clear; ferry arrives frequently from Nydri
• Exposed to S and SE — check forecast before committing overnight
• Cave entrance rocks — navigate with care in the dinghy

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free for anchoring
• Restrictions: Keep the ferry berth clear at all times — Nydri–Meganisi ferry calls several times daily.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Taverna at the waterfront
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Visit the Papanikolis cave by dinghy or swimming — a highlight of Meganisi.
2. Fuel and water available — useful before heading south to Kastos or Kalamos.
3. Ferry to Nydri runs multiple times daily — convenient for crew changes.